Labourer / Utility Worker Apprentice / Utility Operator

Regular Full Time
Competition #
HW26-13
Title
Labourer / Utility Worker Apprentice / Utility Operator
Department
Water Services
Primary Function

This position will perform all forms of general labour work associated with the operation of the water distribution system in a safe and efficient manner.

Duties & Responsibilities

Labourer Duties:

  • Ensure your own personal safety and the safety of your co-workers by following all OH&S Rules and Regulations.
  • Perform general labour work including pick and shovel work, excavation, loading/unloading, reinstatement works and other site cleanup activities.
  • Respond to scheduled and emergency overtime work.
  • Assist with hydrant inspection, operation, preventative maintenance, repairs and replacements.
  • Assist with main line valve inspections, operation, repair and replacement.
  • Assist with the installation and repair of water mains of all sizes and materials.
  • Assist with performing 38 mm to 50 mm diameter water main taps.
  • Assist with the installation and repair of water services of all sizes and materials.
  • Assist with service box inspections, adjustments and replacements.
  • Operate and maintain a variety of tools, equipment and vehicles necessary for the operation of the water distribution system.
  • Open and access water distribution information in the corporate GIS system.
  • Complete work orders and inspections in the computerized maintenance management system.
  • Perform other assignments as deemed appropriate for training towards the Utility Worker Apprentice and Utility Operator 1, 2 and 3 competencies.
  • Perform other related duties as may be assigned.

Utility Worker Apprentice Duties:

  • Ensure your own personal safety and the safety of your co-workers by following all OH&S Rules and Regulations.
  • Perform general labour work including excavation, loading/unloading, reinstatement works and other site cleanup activities.
  • Respond to scheduled and emergency overtime work.
  • Inspect and operate hydrants. Assist with hydrant preventative maintenance, repairs and replacements.  
  • Operate main line valves. Assist with valve inspections and the repair and replacement of mainline valves and associated valve box assemblies.  
  • Assist with the installation and repair of water mains of all sizes and materials.  
  • Perform annual water distribution system flushing.
  • Assist with performing 38 mm to 50 mm diameter water main taps.  
  • Assist with the installation and repair of water services of all sizes and materials.  
  • Perform service box inspections and adjustments. Assist with the replacement of service boxes.  
  • Operate and maintain a variety of tools, equipment and vehicles necessary for the operation of the water distribution system.  
  • Open and access water distribution information in the corporate GIS system.  
  • Create and complete work orders and inspections in the computerized maintenance management system.
  • Assist with water main, valve, hydrant and service line locates.  
  • Perform chlorine residual and turbidity testing.  
  • Assist with the inspection of water reservoirs and sites.  
  • Perform other assignments as deemed appropriate for training towards the Utility Operator 1, 2 and 3 competency.
  • Perform other related duties as may be assigned. 

Utility Operator Duties:

  • Ensure your own personal safety and the safety of your co-workers by following all OH&S Rules and Regulations.
  • Respond to scheduled and emergency overtime work.
  • Inspect and operate hydrants and carry out preventive maintenance. Assist with hydrant repairs and replacements.  
  • Inspect, operate, repair and replace mainline valves and associated valve box assemblies.  
  • Install and repair water mains of all sizes and materials.  
  • Perform annual water distribution system flushing.
  • Perform 38 mm to 50 mm diameter water main taps. Assist with 100 mm and larger water main taps.
  • Install and repair water services of all sizes and materials.  Assist with customer flow tests, thawing of services and correcting flow restrictions.  
  • Perform service box inspections, repairs, replacements and adjustments.
  • Assist with control valve and air release valve inspection, operation, maintenance, repair and replacement.
  • Operate and maintain a variety of tools, equipment and vehicles necessary for the operation of the water distribution system.  
  • Open and access water distribution information in the corporate GIS system.
  • Create and complete work orders and inspections in the computerized maintenance management system.
  • Assist with leak detection activities.
  • Perform chlorine residual and turbidity testing.  
  • Inspect water reservoirs and sites and assist with reservoir cleaning.
  • Perform water main, valve, hydrant and service line locates and be capable of recording tie-in information.
  • Conduct new subdivision inspection for deficiencies and prepare deficiency lists.
  • Perform reinstatement work and other site cleanup activities.
  • Respond to service calls relating to customer complaints.  
  • Train assigned staff to perform skills consistent with approved procedures of Halifax Water.
  • Perform other assignments as deemed appropriate for training towards the Utility Operator 2 and 3 competency.
  • Perform other related duties as may be assigned. 
Reporting Relationships

Reports to:  Works Supervisor or designate

Supervises:   N/A

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience

Labourer:

Education: 

  • Grade 12 or the NS Department of Education equivalent.

Experience:

  • Minimum of 1 year experience in water utility operation, maintenance or construction.

Utility Worker Apprentice:

Education: 

  • Grade 12 or the NS Department of Education equivalent.

Experience: 

  • Minimum of 3 years' experience in water utility operation, maintenance or construction.

Utility Operator:

Education:                

  • Grade 12 or the NS Department of Education equivalent.
  • Water Distribution Certification - Level 1

Experience:

  • Minimum of 3 years' experience in water distribution system operation and maintenance.

 

Other Requirements

Certificates / Licences / Registrations:

  • A valid NS Class 5 Driver's license
  • Traffic Control Certificate
  • Confined Space Entry Course
  • Trench Safety Awareness Course

Must be willing to undetake and maintain the following safety training:

  • First Aid
  • Globally Harmonized System (GHS) (Formerly WHMIS)
  • Additional safety training as identified based on legislative and operational requirements

This is a CUPE Local 227 Unionized position

Hours of Work:  As per CUPE Local 227 Collective Agreement

Rate of Pay:  As per CUPE Local 227 Collective Agreement.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • Ability to be trained to perform all aspects of water distribution operation and maintenance.
  • Interest and initiative in undertaking training for the various elements of the Utility Worker Apprentice performance checklist.
  • Capable of operating pumps, generators, pipe saws, hydraulic cutters, compaction equipment, arrow boards, compressors and any/all related equipment.
  • Understand the importance of public health and the role that operating and maintaining the water distribution plays in maintaining public health.
  • Capable of working outside of normal business hours and able to respond to emergency service calls.
  • Proficient in the use of computerized maintenance management systems as well as other productivity software and systems.
  • Must be able to work in a generally unsupervised environment.Ability to work in all weather conditions and environments including heat, cold, rain and snow.
  • Ability to keep accurate and detailed records.
  • Ability to be diplomatic and courteous when dealing with the public, contractors and other agencies.
  • Must be familiar with related Occupational Health and Safety practices. Knowledge of safe excavation and trenching, confined space, traffic control, rigging and commercial. vehciles. Capable to complete a Field Level Hazard Assessment.
  • Must be reliable, punctual and have a good attendance record.
  • Must be medically fit to carry out the job duties and must be willing to undergo a medical examination by a Halifax Water doctor.
How to Apply

Completed cover letters and resumes, application forms [PDF] optional, stating Competition #HW26-13 must be received by 4:30 p.m., February 6, 2026. Please forward to:

Mail

  • Halifax Water
    HR Department
    P.O. Box 8388, RPO CSC
    Halifax, NS
    B3K 5M1

Fax

  • 902-490-6934

Email

Please note: Only applicants invited for an interview will be contacted.

Conditional Items Required for Employment:

Satisfactory background check

Satisfactory pre-employment testing

Halifax Water is an equal opportunity employer.

Halifax Water’s goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative of the community we serve, at all job levels. Halifax Water believes a diverse workforce positively contributes to its success, and the success of our community. We encourage applications from qualified African Nova Scotians, LGBTQ+ community, racially visible persons, women in non-traditional positions, persons with disabilities and Indigenous persons. Halifax Water encourages applicants to self-identify in the cover letter.